Texas House Bill HJR69

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation not more than $60,000 of the assessed value of the residence homesteads of military servicemembers who are serving on active duty.

Impact

If HJR69 is enacted, it would modify Article VIII of the Texas Constitution by adding a new subsection designed to support military members financially. The bill will specifically target residence homesteads, which are often the primary financial asset for many families, thereby providing crucial aid to those who might be struggling under the weight of property taxes. This exemption, however, is limited to a specific assessed value and is applicable only to active duty servicemembers, which means that it will not extend to veterans or those not currently serving.

Summary

HJR69 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would allow the Texas legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation up to $60,000 of the assessed value of the residence homesteads belonging to military servicemembers who are serving on active duty. The amendment aims to provide financial relief to those who serve in the armed forces, recognizing their sacrifices and the unique challenges they face. By alleviating some of the tax burden on their residence properties, the bill seeks to improve the economic circumstances of active-duty servicemembers and their families.

Contention

Discussions around HJR69 may include debates regarding equity and fairness, as some lawmakers might raise concerns about the implications of tax exemptions favoring military personnel over other groups of citizens facing financial hardships. There may also be discussions surrounding the fiscal impact of this exemption on local government revenues, particularly for school districts and municipalities that rely on property taxes for funding essential services. The legislature must also define how to protect these entities from revenue loss due to the implementation of this amendment.